Yesterday the musical icon known as Prince passed away. His style of music always amazed me and his personality intrigued me even further. I have such an interest in men and women in the arts that maintain a self of extreme uniqueness and in some cases what just appears to be crazy to the rest of the world. It makes me feel that what they bring is on a whole other level. (Please note that Kanye is excluded from this list, as I believe he is faking crazy). I did not cry when I heard the news, but I was moved and saddened to hear about the loss of such a powerful musical front man. I wanted to take a moment and share a story I have about Prince.

Growing up I listed to a wide array of music. My dad listened to everything from Beach Boys to Kiss, while my mother would listen to Elvis, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler on loop pretty much every day. My musical taste stemmed from there and expanded, as I grew older. I remember first hearing prince in the middle school. 1999 was approaching and people played the song non-stop. I started listening to his other music and was instantly hooked. As I entered college it became ritual. I listened to Prince every day (Which I still do). I made friends listen to songs at every ultimate tournament we went to. The song Pussy Control became my karaoke go to song and sexy motherfucker was played whenever I was getting ready to go out.

In 2009, Michael Jackson passed away and I felt a huge hit. I remember being in talks to try and find a way to get out to see a show of his upcoming tour because he was one of a series of musicians I had still yet to see live. Upon his death I made myself a vow to see as many of my favorite musicians as possible because life is short and you never know when a moment such as that can be lost forever. In that time I got to see amazing groups like George Clinton and P-Funk, Hall & Oates, Stevie Wonder, and Justin Timberlake but I still needed to see Prince.

I believe the change finally occurred in 2011 when Prince was playing a show at MSG. The cheapest tickets were around $100 and I was unable to find anyone that wanted to join me. I bought myself a ticket and decided to roll solo to the concert. The part that sticks out to me the most from the event was not the amazing show (which it was) but rather my experience getting my will call ticket.

As I walked into the madness of MSG I bee lined it to the will call pick up. During my walk I passed by Quest Love and the Roots, which instantly put me into a state of celebrity shock. I jumped on line thinking just how awesome this show will be. It took about a minute on line before I heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned around and discovered that Craig Robinson was standing right there on line as well. I instantly blurted out “ Oh my god, your Craig Robinson” to which he replied kindly and simply “yes” I asked him why he was on line and he responded “how else am I suppose to get my tickets to see Prince” we chuckled at the line and I asked for a photo to which he obliged. I thanked him and went on my way. I sat through the entire show rocking out by myself to his hits and just thought how much of an impact he has on everyone whether they be a normal kid from Westchester of a famous comedian or even another influential musical group. He transcended boundaries and reshaped what music was.

I am so glad I went to that show, because as we now have come to realize, life is extremely delicate and short. Take advantages of opportunity as they arise and never 2nd guess your self.

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This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed by the authors and contributors of this blog represent their own personal opinions and not those of their respective employers. Additionally, though medical topics may be covered in this blog, they are the personal opinions and thoughts of the authors based on their personal experiences. While care is taken to provide readers with educated information and analyses, they should not be taken as expert or official medical opinion. Thank you.